Spirals gymnastics has new head coach

Derek May has taken over the position of Head Coach/Director for Spirals gymnastics. He started his gymnastics career at the age of 7 and progressed through the Junior Olympic Program. In 1996 he earned State, Regional and National Power Tumbling titles. May holds a degree in Elementary Education and Theatre from San Jose State University as well as a degree in Sports Management.

May coached Olympian John Orozco in his early career when he was identified at a Future Stars Camp as an up and coming gymnast. He’s held assistant and head coaching positions in various locations throughout his career.

May has spent the last 8 years in Australia where he went on to coach many State and National Champions. In 2012, May led his Level 7 team to win the National Championship. This was the first time a team from Western Australia had earned that title. That same year he was honored with “Sports Coach of the Year”.

Prior to coaching in Australia, May spent time as an Assistant Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics coach at the University of Iowa. In 2003 he earned the North Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year. His Vault and Floor gymnast broke records in 2004 that are still standing.

May’s coaching philosophy is to foster kids growth through calm, passionate coaching while teaching them lessons that will continue with them through life. May states, “I’m super excited for this opportunity to work at Spirals. Spirals and UCSB has had an unbelievable gymnastics history. I would like to continue to grow the program and inspire the athletes to perform their best.”

You can visit Spirals at www.spiralsfoundation.org or come out to the UCSB Campus to visit us and learn more about our recreational gymnastics, tumbling classes or local and national level team gymnastics competitions.